While Microsoft toils away on Redstone 5, the next major update to Windows 10, you might be thinking the the latest version of Windows is the best. And honestly, with Windows Mixed Reality support for a wave of ARM-based laptops and tablets – you may be right.
And, now that the Windows 10 April 2018 Update has been released, even though it’s had its own fair share of problems, the best Windows tablets are more versatile than they’ve ever been. You can now even switch out of Windows 10 S Mode, so now the best Windows Tablets can easily run the full-fat version of Windows 10.
Thanks to their flexibility, our list of the best Windows tablets cover their wonderful diversity. From economical featherweight tablets like the Lenovo Miix 630 to heavy powerhouses like the Surface Pro, there’s a Windows tablet for everyone. And, even if you’re looking for a cheap way to get your hands on a Surface device, Microsoft might have you covered, judging by recent budget Surface rumors.
That’s why we’ve gathered together the best Windows tablets we’ve used over the last year or so. There are obvious choices like the Surface Pro alongside the surprisingly powerful HP Spectre x2 and the gorgeous Samsung Galaxy TabPro S. No matter which you choose, you can rest assured that you’ll be getting a great Windows experience with any of these tablets.
1. Microsoft Surface Pro
The best all-around Windows tablet
CPU: 2.5GHz Intel Core i7-7660U | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 | RAM: 16GB | Screen: 12.3-inch, 2,736 x 1,824 PixelSense display | Storage: 512GB SSD | Connectivity: 802.11ac Wi-Fi; Bluetooth 4.1 | Camera: 8MP rear-facing, 5MP front-facing | Weight: 1.73 pounds | Size: 11.5 x 7.93 x 0.33 inches (W x D x H)
Its naming convention might throw you off, but this is really the fifth iteration of the Surface Pro. Acting as a follow-up to the wonderful Surface Pro 4, it really deserves to have a number attached to it as well. That’s because this latest iteration of the Surface Pro not only sees massive battery improvements up to 32%, but, of course, it now rocks an updated Kaby Lake CPU as well. Plus, although it’s no longer included in the box, the Surface Pen now has 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity.
Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Pro
2. Acer Switch 3
Half the price, but not half the tablet, of the Surface Pro
CPU: 1.1GHz Intel Pentium N4200 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 505 | RAM: 4GB | Screen: 12.2-inch, 1,920 x 1,200 WUXGA IPS LCD | Storage: 64GB eMMC | Connectivity: 802.11ac; Bluetooth | Camera: 5MP rear, 2MP front | Weight: 2.8 pounds | Dimensions: 11.6 x 7.9 x 0.6 inches
The Acer Switch 3 arrives at a time when most of the best Windows tablets are premium 2-in-1 devices designed to oust both your PC and your tablet. But for anyone who doesn’t need the horsepower of a Surface Pro, the Acer Switch 3 is a wallet-friendly alternative. Even without cutting-edge specs, this tablet is highly competent in other ways. Its impeccable build quality, for example, is complemented by a top-notch active digitizer and pressure-sensitive pen.
Read the full review: Acer Switch 3
3. Samsung Galaxy TabPro S
The ultimate Windows 10 media tablet
CPU: 900MHz Intel Core M3-6Y30 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 515 | RAM: 4GB | Screen: 12-inch Super AMOLED Full HD+ (2,160 × 1,440 resolution) multi-touch | Storage: 128GB SSD | Connectivity: 802.11ac Wi-Fi, VHT80 MIMO, Bluetooth v4.1 | Camera: 5MP front-facing webcam; 5MP rear camera | Weight: 2.4 pounds | Dimensions: 11.43 x 7.83 x 0.64 inches
While it may still be rocking a 6th-generation Intel processor, the Samsung Galaxy TabPro S is a knockout 12-inch tablet that’s thinner and better built than most Windows 10 tablets. It also offers a beautiful Super AMOLED display that you won’t find on any other Windows Device, plus a pair of punchy speakers that actually sound good. It’s keyboard is a bit lackluster, but if you’re looking for a tablet to consume media on, you can’t really do much better than the Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro S.
Read the full review: Samsung Galaxy TabPro S
- This product is only available in the US as of this writing. UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Microsoft Surface Pro
4. HP Spectre x2
Fighting fire with spiffier fire
CPU: Intel Core i7-7560U | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 12.3-inch, 3,000 x 2,000 WLED-backlit multi-touch-enabled edge-to-edge glass | Storage: 360GB PCIe SSD | Connectivity: Intel 802.11b/g/n/ac (2x2) Wi-Fi; Bluetooth 4.2 | Camera: 5MP webcam and HP IR camera with integrated dual array digital microphone (front-facing); HP 13MP camera (rear-facing) | Weight: 2.49 pounds | Dimensions: 11.57 x 8.15 x 0.52 inches (W x D x H)
Originally designed as a budget alternative to the Surface Pro, the HP Spectre x2 has essentially been rebranded to take Microsoft’s crown. In many ways, it succeeds. You get a 7th-generation Kaby Lake i7 CPU for a lower price. And, it looks better than the Surface Pro to boot. What’s more, the Active Pen and keyboard come with it – which we still wish was the case with the Surface Pro in 2018.
Read our full review: HP Spectre x2
5. Lenovo Miix 510
A Surface Pro rival with the ports of the future
CPU: 2.71 Intel Core i5-7200U | Graphics: Intel HD 620 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 12.2-inch, 1,920 x 1,080 FHD IPS | Storage: 256GB PCIe SSD | Connectivity: 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 | Camera: 2MP front camera, 5MP rear camera | Weight: 2.76 pounds (1.25kg) | Size: 11.8 x 0.6 x 8.1 inches (W x D x H)
In a sense, the Lenovo Miix 510 is the Surface Pro alternative that you buy when you’re fed up with Microsoft’s reluctance to move forward with its connectivity practices. USB-C is here, and it’s brought USB 3.0 with it. While the screen is limited to 1080p, the Lenovo Miix 510 comes with an active stylus, a detachable AccuType keyboard and an articulating kickstand for flexibility without limits. While the battery suffers, the Lenovo Miix 510 is still a surefire win.
Read the full review: Lenovo Miix 510
- This product is only available in the US and Australia as of this writing. UK readers: check out a fine alternative in the Acer Switch 3.
Gabe Carey has also contributed to this article